U.S. patent application number 16/559769 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for electrochromic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. The applicant listed for this patent is Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. Invention is credited to Chil Seong AH, Chi-Sun HWANG, Tae-Youb KIM, Hojun RYU, Juhee SONG.
Application Number | 20200081311 16/559769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69719512 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200081311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AH; Chil Seong ; et
al. |
March 12, 2020 |
ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE
Abstract
An electrochromic device according to the inventive concept
includes a first electrode; a second electrode on the first
electrode; and an electrochromic electrolyte layer and a
nanostructure between the first and second electrodes. The
nanostructure has a porous structure, and the electrochromic
electrolyte layer includes phenothiazine or a compound represented
by the following Formula 1: ##STR00001## where R.sub.1 is hydrogen,
C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl.
Inventors: |
AH; Chil Seong; (Daejeon,
KR) ; RYU; Hojun; (Seoul, KR) ; SONG;
Juhee; (Daejeon, KR) ; KIM; Tae-Youb;
(Daejeon, KR) ; HWANG; Chi-Sun; (Daejeon,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute |
Daejeon |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Electronics and Telecommunications
Research Institute
Daejeon
KR
|
Family ID: |
69719512 |
Appl. No.: |
16/559769 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09B 21/00 20130101;
G02F 1/153 20130101; G02F 1/1533 20130101; G02F 1/163 20130101;
G02F 1/155 20130101; G02F 1/15165 20190101; G02F 1/161 20130101;
G02F 1/1525 20130101; G02F 1/15 20130101; G02F 2202/36
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1523 20060101
G02F001/1523; G02F 1/155 20060101 G02F001/155; G02F 1/163 20060101
G02F001/163; G02F 1/1516 20060101 G02F001/1516; C09B 21/00 20060101
C09B021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 7, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0107397 |
Claims
1. An electrochromic device, comprising: a first electrode; a
second electrode on the first electrode; and an electrochromic
electrolyte layer and a nanostructure between the first and second
electrodes, wherein the nanostructure has a porous structure, and
the electrochromic electrolyte layer comprises phenothiazine or a
compound represented by the following Formula 1: ##STR00005## where
R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl.
2. The electrochromic device of claim 1, further comprising a pore
in the nanostructure, and the pore is filled with the same material
included in the electrochromic electrolyte layer.
3. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein the compound of
Formula 1 comprises one of 10-ethylphenothiazine,
10-isopropylphenothiazine, or 10-phenylphenothiazine.
4. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein the electrochromic
electrolyte layer further comprises a polymer, a solvent and a
reaction inducing material, and the reaction inducing material
comprises at least one of ferrocene, iodides, imidazole,
1,3,5-tricyanobenzene (TCB), tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), or
ferrocene derivatives.
5. The electrochromic device of claim 4, wherein the polymer
comprises at least one of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly methyl
methacrylate (PMMA), poly butyl acrylate (PBA), poly vinyl butyrate
(PVB), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO),
poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), poly acrylonitrile (PAN),
poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), or poly(vinylidene
fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP).
6. The electrochromic device of claim 5, wherein the solvent
comprises at least one of propylene carbonate (PC), butylene
carbonate (BC), ethylene carbonate (EC), gamma-butyrolacton
(gamma-BL), gamma-VL, NMO, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl
carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), propyl methyl
carbonate (PMC), ethyl acetate (EA), water (H.sub.2O), ethylene
blue (EB) or methylene blue (MB).
7. The electrochromic device of claim 6, wherein the electrochromic
electrolyte layer further comprises a lithium ion producing
material, and the lithium ion producing material comprises at least
one of lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), LiBF.sub.4, LiPF.sub.6,
LiAsF.sub.6, lithium triflate (LiTf, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3), lithium
imdide (LiIm, Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBeTi
(Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2], LiBr, or LiI.
8. The electrochromic device of claim 6, wherein the electrochromic
electrolyte layer further comprises a hydrogen ion producing
material, and the hydrogen ion producing material comprises at
least one of hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid
(H.sub.2SO.sub.4), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3), phosphoric acid
(H.sub.3PO.sub.4), acetic acid (CH.sub.3COOH), perchloric acid
(HClO.sub.4) or formic acid (HCOOH).
9. An electrochromic device, comprising: a first electrode; a
second electrode on the first electrode; and an electrochromic
layer, an electrolyte layer and a nanostructure between the first
and the second electrodes, wherein the nanostructure has a porous
structure, and the electrochromic layer comprises Prussian blue or
PEDOT:PSS.
10. The electrochromic device of claim 9, wherein the
electrochromic layer and the nanostructure are separated by the
electrolyte layer.
11. The electrochromic device of claim 9, further comprising a pore
in the nanostructure, and the pore is filled with the same material
included in the electrolyte layer.
12. The electrochromic device of claim 9, wherein the electrolyte
layer comprises a polymer and a solvent.
13. The electrochromic device of claim 12, wherein the polymer
comprises at least one of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly methyl
methacrylate (PMMA), poly butyl acrylate (PBA), poly vinyl butyrate
(PVB), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO),
poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), poly acrylonitrile (PAN),
poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), or poly(vinylidene
fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP).
14. The electrochromic device of claim 13, wherein the solvent
comprises at least one of propylene carbonate (PC), butylene
carbonate (BC), ethylene carbonate (EC), gamma-butyrolactone
(gamma-BL), gamma-VL, NMO, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl
carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), propyl methyl
carbonate (PMC), ethyl acetate (EA), water (H.sub.2O), ethylene
blue (EB) or methylene blue (MB).
15. The electrochromic device of claim 14, wherein the electrolyte
layer further comprises a lithium ion producing material, and the
lithium ion producing material comprises at least one of lithium
perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), LiBF.sub.4, LiPF.sub.6, LiAsF.sub.6,
lithium triflate (LiTf, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3), lithium imdide (LiIm,
Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBeTi
(Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBr, or LiI.
16. The electrochromic device of claim 14, wherein the electrolyte
layer further comprises a hydrogen ion producing material, and the
hydrogen ion producing material comprises at least one of
hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4), nitric
acid (HNO.sub.3), phosphoric acid (H.sub.3PO.sub.4), acetic acid
(CH.sub.3COOH), perchloric acid (HClO.sub.4) or formic acid
(HCOOH).
17. An electrochromic device, comprising: a first substrate; a
first electrochromic structure on the first substrate; a second
substrate on the first electrochromic structure; a second
electrochromic structure on the second substrate; and a third
substrate on the second electrochromic structure, wherein the first
and second electrochromic structures each comprises: a first
electrode, a second electrode, and a nanostructure between the
first and second electrodes, and the nanostructure has a porous
structure.
18. The electrochromic device of claim 17, wherein the first and
second electrochromic structures each further comprises an
electrochromic electrolyte layer on the first electrode, and the
electrochromic electrolyte layer comprises phenothiazine or a
compound represented by the following Formula 1: ##STR00006## where
R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl.
19. The electrochromic device of claim 17, wherein the first and
second electrochromic structures each further comprises an
electrochromic layer on the first electrode and an electrolyte
layer on the electrochromic layer, and the electrochromic layer
comprises Prussian blue or PEDOT:PSS.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2018-0107397, filed on Sep. 7, 2018, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure herein relates to an electrochromic
device. More particularly, the present disclosure herein relates to
an electrochromic device having excellent electrochromic
properties.
[0003] Electrochromism means a phenomenon where an electrochromic
material is reversibly colored or decolorized by the oxidation or
reduction reaction of the electrochromic material. An
electrochromic device may include a material which is colored by
accepting electrons (i.e., through reduction reaction) or donating
electrons (i.e., through oxidation reaction). The electrochromic
device is a non-self-emission type display device, which uses an
external light source, and has good visibility in outdoors and a
high contrast ratio under strong light. In addition, since the
control of transmittance by a driving voltage is easy, a driving
voltage is low, and a view angle is wide, the electrochromic device
is widely studied in various fields.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure provides an electrochromic device
having excellent electrochromic properties.
[0005] An embodiment of the inventive concept provides an
electrochromic device including a first electrode; a second
electrode on the first electrode; and an electrochromic electrolyte
layer and a nanostructure between the first and second electrodes,
wherein the nanostructure has a porous structure, and the
electrochromic electrolyte layer includes phenothiazine or a
compound represented by the following Formula 1:
##STR00002##
[0006] where R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl.
[0007] In an embodiment, the electrochromic device may further
include a pore in the nanostructure, and the pore may be filled
with the same material included in the electrochromic electrolyte
layer.
[0008] In an embodiment, the compound of Formula 1 may be one of
10-ethylphenothiazine, 10-isopropylphenothiazine, or
10-phenylphenothiazine.
[0009] In an embodiment, the electrochromic electrolyte layer may
further include a polymer, a solvent and a reaction inducing
material, and the reaction inducing material may include at least
one of ferrocene, iodides, imidazole, 1,3,5-tricyanobenzene (TCB),
tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), or ferrocene derivatives.
[0010] In an embodiment, the polymer may include at least one of
poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), poly
butyl acrylate (PBA), poly vinyl butyrate (PVB), polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO),
poly acrylonitrile (PAN), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), or
poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP).
[0011] In an embodiment, the solvent may include at least one of
propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), ethylene
carbonate (EC), gamma-butyrolactone (gamma-BL), gamma-VL, NMO,
dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl
carbonate (EMC), propyl methyl carbonate (PMC), ethyl acetate (EA),
water (H.sub.2O), ethylene blue (EB) or methylene blue (MB).
[0012] In an embodiment, the electrochromic electrolyte layer may
further include a lithium ion producing material, and the lithium
ion producing material may include at least one of lithium
perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), LiBF.sub.4, LiPF.sub.6, LiAsF.sub.6,
lithium triflate (LiTf, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3), lithium imdide (LiIm,
Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBeTi
(Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBr, or LiI.
[0013] In an embodiment, the electrochromic electrolyte layer may
further include a hydrogen ion producing material, and the hydrogen
ion producing material may include at least one of hydrochloric
acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4), nitric acid
(HNO.sub.3), phosphoric acid (H.sub.3PO.sub.4), acetic acid
(CH.sub.3COOH), perchloric acid (HClO.sub.4) or formic acid
(HCOOH).
[0014] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electrochromic
device includes a first electrode; a second electrode on the first
electrode; and an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer and a
nanostructure between the first and the second electrodes, wherein
the nanostructure has a porous structure, and the electrochromic
layer includes Prussian blue or PEDOT:PSS.
[0015] In an embodiment, the electrochromic layer and the
nanostructure may be separated by the electrolyte layer.
[0016] In an embodiment, the electrochromic device may further
include a pore in the nanostructure, and the pore may be filled
with the same material included in the electrolyte layer.
[0017] In an embodiment, the electrolyte layer may include a
polymer and a solvent.
[0018] In an embodiment, the electrolyte layer may further include
a lithium ion producing material, and the lithium ion producing
material may include at least one of lithium perchlorate
(LiClO.sub.4), LiBF.sub.4, LiPF.sub.6, LiAsF.sub.6, lithium
triflate (LiTf, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3), lithium imdide (LiIm,
Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBeTi
(Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBr, or LiI.
[0019] In an embodiment, the electrolyte layer may further include
a hydrogen ion producing material, and the hydrogen ion producing
material may include at least one of hydrochloric acid (HCl),
sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3),
phosphoric acid (H.sub.3PO.sub.4), acetic acid (CH.sub.3COOH),
perchloric acid (HClO.sub.4) or formic acid (HCOOH).
[0020] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electrochromic
device includes a first substrate; a first electrochromic structure
on the first substrate; a second substrate on the first
electrochromic structure; a second electrochromic structure on the
second substrate; and a third substrate on the second
electrochromic structure, wherein the first and second
electrochromic structures each includes a first electrode, a second
electrode, and a nanostructure between the first and second
electrodes, and the nanostructure has a porous structure.
[0021] In an embodiment, the first and second electrochromic
structures each may further include an electrochromic electrolyte
layer on the first electrode, and the electrochromic electrolyte
layer may include phenothiazine or a compound represented by the
following Formula 1:
##STR00003##
[0022] where R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl.
[0023] In an embodiment, the first and second electrochromic
structures each may further include an electrochromic layer on the
first electrode and an electrolyte layer on the electrochromic
layer, and the electrochromic layer may include Prussian blue or
PEDOT:PSS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the inventive concept, and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with
the description, serve to explain principles of the inventive
concept. In the drawings:
[0025] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic
device according to embodiments of the inventive concept;
[0026] FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 1A;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device
according to embodiments of the inventive concept;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device
according to embodiments of the inventive concept;
[0029] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are diagrams for explaining the driving
of the electrochromic device according to FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the transmittance of an
electrochromic device according to FIG. 1 of the inventive
concept;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device
according to embodiments of the inventive concept;
[0032] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are cross-sectional views of
electrochromic devices according to embodiments of the inventive
concept;
[0033] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams for explaining the driving
of the electrochromic device according to FIG. 6;
[0034] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are cross-sectional views of
electrochromic devices according to embodiments of the inventive
concept;
[0035] FIG. 11A is a graph showing the transmittance of an
electrochromic device according to FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 11B is a graph showing the transmittance of an
electrochromic device according to FIG. 10A; and
[0037] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are cross-sectional views of
electrochromic devices according to embodiments of the inventive
concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The advantages and the features of the inventive concept,
and methods for attaining them will be described in example
embodiments below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The
inventive concept may, however, be embodied in different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
description will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey
the scope of the present inventive concept to those skilled in the
art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to limit
the present inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms
are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps,
operations, and/or devices, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, and/or
devices thereof. Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept
will be explained in detail.
[0040] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic
device according to embodiments of the inventive concept. FIG. 1B
is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 1A.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the electrochromic device
according to the inventive concept may include a first substrate
110, a first electrode layer 120, an electrochromic electrolyte
layer 130, a nanostructure 150, a second electrode layer 160, a
second substrate 170 and a sealing part 140.
[0042] On the first substrate 110, the first electrode layer 120
may be provided. The first substrate 110 may be transparent. The
first substrate 110 may include glass, plastic or a flexible
polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may include
one of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyolefin (PO), polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU), nylon, polycarbonate (PC),
polyester, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyacetal (POM),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene
(FEP), cyclic polyolefin (COP), modified PPO (MPPO), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), an
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl
methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether
sulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), a triacetylcellulose
(TAC) film, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polyimide (PI) film,
or polystyrene (PS).
[0043] The thickness of the first electrode layer 120 may be from
about 0.1 nm to about 10 .mu.m. The first electrode layer 120 may
include one electrode material layer and a plurality of electrode
material layers. For example, the electrode material layer may
include one of indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin oxide (ITO),
fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO),
boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO), tungsten-doped zinc oxide (WZO),
tungsten-doped tin oxide (WTO), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO),
antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), indium-doped zinc oxide (IZO),
niobium (Nb)-doped titanium oxide (TiOx), single or multiple
oxide-metal-oxide (OMO), a conductive polymer, a conductive organic
molecule, a carbon nanotube, graphene, a silver nanowire, aluminum,
silver, ruthenium, gold, platinum, tin, chromium, indium, zinc,
copper, rubidium, nickel, ruthenium oxide, rubidium oxide, tin
oxide, indium oxide, zinc oxide, chromium oxide or molybdenum. The
first electrode layer 120 may be transparent, translucent, or
opaque. The first electrode layer 120 may be formed on the first
substrate 110 through a vacuum deposition process or a wet coating
process.
[0044] On the first electrode layer 120, the electrochromic
electrolyte layer 130 may be provided. The electrochromic
electrolyte layer 130 may be one of liquid, solid, gel or sol.
[0045] The electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may include
phenothiazine or phenothiazine derivatives. The phenothiazine
derivative may include a compound represented by the following
Formula 1:
##STR00004##
[0046] R.sub.1 may be hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl.
[0047] In an embodiment, the compound of Formula 1 may be one of
10-ethylphenothiazine, 10-isopropylphenothiazine, or
10-phenylphenothiazine.
[0048] In the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130, the amount of
the phenothiazine or the phenothiazine derivative may be from about
0.01 wt % to about 50 wt %. The phenothiazine or the phenothiazine
derivative may be reversibly discolored according to the
application of a voltage. The phenothiazine or the phenothiazine
derivative may be discolored from red to a transparent state, or
from a transparent state to red.
[0049] The electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may further include
a lithium ion or hydrogen ion. If the electrochromic electrolyte
layer 130 includes a lithium ion, the lithium ion may be produced
through the dissolution of a lithium ion producing material in the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130. In an embodiment, the lithium
ion producing material may include at least one of lithium
perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), LiBF.sub.4, LiPF.sub.6, LiAsF.sub.6,
lithium triflate (LiTf, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3), lithium Imdide (LiIm,
Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBeTi
(Li[N(SO.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.2]), LiBr or LiI. The
concentration of the lithium ion producing material which is
dissolved in the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may be about
0.001 M to about 10 M, preferably, about 0.02 M to about 1 M. If
the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 includes a hydrogen ion,
the hydrogen ion may be produced through the dissolution of a
hydrogen ion producing material in the electrochromic electrolyte
layer 130. For example, the hydrogen ion producing material may
include at least one of hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid
(H.sub.2SO.sub.4), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3), phosphoric acid
(H.sub.3PO.sub.4), acetic acid (CH.sub.3COOH), perchloric acid
(HClO.sub.4) or formic acid (HCOOH).
[0050] The electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may further include
a polymer. For example, the polymer may include at least one of
poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), poly
butyl acrylate (PBA), poly vinyl butyrate (PVB), polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO),
poly acrylonitrile (PAN), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), or
poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). In the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130, the amount of the polymer may
be from about 0.001 wt % to about 90 wt %. If the amount of the
polymer increases, the viscosity of the electrochromic electrolyte
layer 130 may increase.
[0051] The electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may further include
a solvent. In an embodiment, the solvent may include at least one
of propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), ethylene
carbonate (EC), gamma-butyrolactone (gamma-BL), gamma-VL, NMO,
dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl
carbonate (EMC), propyl methyl carbonate (PMC), ethyl acetate (EA),
water (H.sub.2O), ethylene blue (EB) or methylene blue (MB).
[0052] The electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may further include
a reaction inducing material. The reaction inducing material may
play the role of inducing oxidation and reduction reaction in the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130. For example, the reaction
inducing material may include at least one of ferrocene, iodides,
imidazole, 1,3,5-tricyanobenzene (TCB), tetracyanoquinodimethane
(TCNQ), or ferrocene derivatives. In the electrochromic electrolyte
layer 130, the concentration of the reaction inducing material may
be from about 0.001 mM to about 4,000 mM.
[0053] On the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130, the
nanostructure 150 may be provided. The nanostructure 150 may
include interconnected nanoparticles. The nanostructure 150 may
have a porous structure. In other words, a pore 151 may be provided
in the nanostructure 150. The pore 151 may be filled with the same
material as the material included in the electrochromic electrolyte
layer 130. The thickness of the nanostructure 150 may be from about
0.1 nm to about 50 .mu.m, preferably, from about 100 nm to about 10
.mu.m. In an embodiment, the nanoparticle may include at least one
among indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin oxide (ITO),
fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO),
boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO), tungsten-doped zinc oxide (WZO),
tungsten-doped tin oxide (WTO), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO),
antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), indium-doped zinc oxide (IZO),
niobium (Nb)-doped titanium oxide (TiOx), single or multiple
oxide-metal-oxide (OMO), a conductive polymer, a conductive organic
molecule, a carbon nanotube, graphene, a silver nanowire, aluminum,
silver, ruthenium, gold, platinum, tin, chromium, indium, zinc,
copper, rubidium, nickel, ruthenium oxide, rubidium oxide, tin
oxide, indium oxide, zinc oxide, chromium oxide and molybdenum. The
nanostructure 150 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0054] In an embodiment, the nanostructure 150 may be formed
through a wet coating process. The wet coating process may include
mixing nanoparticles with a solvent to prepare a sol, applying the
sol on the second electrode layer 160, and evaporating the solvent.
In an embodiment, the solvent may be at least one among ethanol,
methanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzene, toluene and tetrahydrofuran
(THF).
[0055] In another embodiment, the nanostructure 150 may be formed
by a vacuum deposition process such as chemical vapor deposition
(CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD).
[0056] On the nanostructure 150, the second electrode layer 160 may
be provided. The thickness of the second electrode layer 160 may be
from about 0.1 nm to about 10 .mu.m. The shortest distance between
the second electrode layer 160 and the first electrode layer 120
may be from about 0.001 .mu.m to about 2,000 .mu.m, preferably,
from about 1 .mu.m to about 200 .mu.m. The second electrode layer
160 may include one electrode material layer or a plurality of
electrode material layers. The second electrode layer 160 may be
transparent, translucent, or opaque. The second electrode layer 160
may be formed through a deposition process on the second substrate
170. The second electrode layer 160 may be a working electrode, and
the first electrode layer 120 may be a counter electrode.
[0057] On the second electrode layer 160, the second substrate 170
may be provided. The second substrate 170 may be transparent. The
second substrate 170 may include glass, plastic or a flexible
polymer film.
[0058] Between the first and second substrates 110 and 170, a
sealing part 140 may be provided. The sealing part 140 may enclose
the first electrode layer 120, the electrochromic electrolyte layer
130, the nanostructure 150 and the second electrode layer 160 on a
plane. The sealing part 140 may seal so that the first electrode
layer 120, the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130, the
nanostructure 150 and the second electrode layer 160 may not
contact the outside. In an embodiment, the sealing part 140 may
include one of a surlyn film, a photocurable material or a
thermosetting material. The sealing part 140 may be formed by
inserting one of the surlyn film, the photocurable material or the
thermosetting material between the first and second substrates 110
and 170, and then heat treating. The heat treatment may be
performed at about 115.degree. C. for about 30 seconds.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device
according to embodiments of the inventive concept.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the electrochromic device may be
provided in a cylinder shape. A support 280 may be provided in the
innermost portion of the electrochromic device. In other words, the
support 280 may form the core of the electrochromic device.
[0061] On the support 280, a first coating 270 may be provided. The
first coating 270 may enclose the support 280.
[0062] On the first coating 270, the first electrode layer 260 may
be provided. The first electrode layer 260 may enclose the first
coating 270. The thickness of the first electrode layer 260 may be
from about 0.1 nm to about 10 .mu.m. The first electrode layer 260
may include one electrode material layer or a plurality of
electrode material layers.
[0063] On the first electrode layer 260, the nanostructure 250 may
be provided. The nanostructure 250 may enclose the first electrode
layer 260. The nanostructure 250 may include interconnected
nanoparticles. The nanostructure 250 may have a porous structure.
In other words, a pore may be provided in the nanostructure
250.
[0064] On the nanostructure 250, the electrochromic electrolyte
layer 230 may be provided. The electrochromic electrolyte layer 230
may be enclose the nanostructure 250. The pore of the nanostructure
250 may be filled with the same material included in the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 230. The electrochromic
electrolyte layer 230 may be one of liquid, solid, gel or sol. The
electrochromic electrolyte layer 230 may include phenothiazine or
phenothiazine derivatives, a lithium ion or hydrogen ion, a
polymer, a solvent, and a reaction inducing material.
[0065] On the electrochromic electrolyte layer 230, the second
electrode layer 220 may be provided. The second electrode layer 220
may enclose the electrochromic electrolyte layer 230. The thickness
of the second electrode layer 220 may be from about 0.1 nm to about
10 .mu.m. The shortest distance between the second electrode layer
220 and the first electrode layer 260 may be from about 0.001 .mu.m
to about 2,000 .mu.m, preferably, from about 1 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m. The second electrode layer 220 may include one electrode
material layer or a plurality of electrode material layers.
[0066] On the second electrode layer 220, a second coating 210 may
be provided. The second coating 210 may enclose the second
electrode layer 220. The second coating 210 may play the role of
protecting the electrochromic device from the outside.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device
according to embodiments of the inventive concept. Detailed
explanation on the technical features which are overlapped with
those of the electrochromic device explained referring to FIG. 2
will be omitted, and different features therefrom will be explained
in detail.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the electrochromic electrolyte layer
230 may be provided on the first electrode layer 260. The
electrochromic electrolyte layer 230 may enclose the first
electrode layer 260.
[0069] On the electrochromic electrolyte layer 230, the
nanostructure 250 may be provided. The nanostructure 250 may
enclose the electrochromic electrolyte layer 230. The pore of the
nanostructure 250 may be filled with the same material as the
material included in the electrochromic electrolyte layer 230.
[0070] On the nanostructure 250, the second electrode layer 220 may
be provided. The second electrode layer 220 may enclose the
nanostructure 250.
[0071] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are diagrams for explaining the driving
of the electrochromic device according to FIG. 1.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 4A, a first voltage V1 may be applied to
the first electrode layer 120 and the second electrode layer 160 of
the electrochromic device. The first voltage V1 may be a
decolorizing voltage. In other words, if the first voltage V1 is
applied, the electrochromic device may be decolorized. In an
embodiment, the first voltage V1 may be from about 0 V to about 5
V.
[0073] By the application of the first voltage V1, the first
electrode layer 120, the nanostructure 150 and the second electrode
layer 160 may not be discolored in a visible light wavelength
region.
[0074] By the application of the first voltage V1, the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may become transparent. In
other words, by the application of the first voltage V1, the
transmittance of the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may
increase. By the application of the first voltage V1, reduction
reaction may be carried out in the phenothiazine or phenothiazine
derivative in the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130.
[0075] If a voltage is not applied to the electrochromic device,
similar to the case of applying the first voltage V1 to the
electrochromic device, the first electrode layer 120, the
nanostructure 150 and the second electrode layer 160 may not be
discolored in a visible light wavelength region, and the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may become transparent.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 4B, to the first electrode layer 120 and
the second electrode layer 160 of the electrochromic device, a
second voltage V2 may be applied. The second voltage V2 may be a
coloring voltage. In other words, if the second voltage V2 is
applied, the electrochromic device may be colored. In an
embodiment, the second voltage V2 may be from about -0.1 V to about
-5 V.
[0077] By the application of the second voltage V2, the first
electrode layer 120, the nanostructure 150 and the second electrode
layer 160 may not be discolored in a visible light wavelength
region.
[0078] By the application of the second voltage V2, the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may be discolored to red. In
other words, by the application of the second voltage V2, the
transmittance of the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may
decrease. By the application of the second voltage V2, oxidation
reaction may be carried out in the phenothiazine or phenothiazine
derivative in the electrochromic electrolyte layer 130.
[0079] In the electrochromic device according to the inventive
concept, by the application of the second voltage V2, the
electrochromic electrolyte layer 130 may be discolored, but the
nanostructure 150 may not be discolored in the visible light
wavelength region, and thus, electrochromic properties may be
excellent.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the transmittance of an
electrochromic device according to FIG. 1 of the inventive
concept.
[0081] FIG. 5 shows the transmittance in accordance with the
wavelength for a case where the first and second electrode layers
120 and 160 include indium tin oxide (ITO) having resistance per
unit area of about 15 ohm/cm.sup.2, and the electrochromic
electrolyte layer 130 includes about 5 wt % of poly methyl
methacrylate (PMMA), about 4 wt % of 10-ethylphenothiazine, about
11.25 mM of ferrocene, about 0.1 M of lithium perchlorate
(LiClO.sub.4) and propylene carbonate (PC).
[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the transmittance in accordance with an
applied voltage to an electrochromic device may be confirmed. The
transmittance in accordance with the wavelength may be confirmed
for a case where a voltage of about 0 V is applied to an
electrochromic device for about 20 seconds (L1), a case where a
voltage of about -1.5 V is applied for about 20 seconds (L2), a
case where a voltage of about -1.75 V for about 20 seconds (L3),
and a case where a voltage of about -2 V is applied for about 20
seconds (L4).
[0083] About -1.5 V, about -1.75 V and about -2 V may be coloring
voltages. About 0 V may be a decolorizing voltage. It may be
confirmed that if the absolute value of the applied coloring
voltage increases, the transmittance of the electrochromic device
decreases.
[0084] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device
according to embodiments of the inventive concept. Detailed
explanation on the technical features which are overlapped with
those of the electrochromic device explained referring to FIG. 1A
and FIG. 1B will be omitted, and different features therefrom will
be explained in detail.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, on the first electrode layer 120, the
electrochromic layer 131 may be provided. The thickness of the
electrochromic layer 131 may be from about 0.1 nm to about 100
.mu.m, preferably, from about 100 nm to about 10 .mu.m. The
electrochromic layer 131 may include Prussian blue or
PEDOT:PSS.
[0086] The electrochromic layer 131 may be formed through a dry
coating process or a wet coating process. The wet coating process
may include mixing Prussian blue or PEDOT:PSS with a solvent and an
additive to prepare a sol, applying the sol on the first electrode
layer 120, and evaporating the solvent. In an embodiment, the
solvent may be at least one among ethanol, methanol, isopropyl
alcohol, benzene, toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF).
[0087] On the electrochromic layer 131, the electrolyte layer 132
may be provided. The electrolyte layer 132 may include a lithium
ion or hydrogen ion, a polymer and a solvent.
[0088] On the electrolyte layer 132, the nanostructure 150 may be
provided. The pore of the nanostructure 150 may be filled with the
same material as the material included in the electrolyte layer
132.
[0089] The electrochromic layer 131 and the nanostructure 150 may
be separated by the electrolyte layer 132.
[0090] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are cross-sectional views of
electrochromic devices according to embodiments of the inventive
concept. Detailed explanation on the technical features which are
overlapped with those of the electrochromic device explained
referring to FIG. 2 will be omitted, and different features
therefrom will be explained in detail.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 7, on a first electrode layer 260, a
nanostructure 250 may be provided. The nanostructure 250 may
enclose the first electrode layer 260. The pore of the
nanostructure 250 may be filled with the same material as the
material included in an electrolyte layer 232.
[0092] On the nanostructure 250, the electrolyte layer 232 may be
provided. The electrolyte layer 232 may enclose the nanostructure
250. The electrolyte layer 232 may include a lithium ion or
hydrogen ion, a polymer material and a solvent.
[0093] On the electrolyte layer 232, an electrochromic layer 231
may be provided. The thickness of the electrochromic layer 231 may
enclose the electrolyte layer 232. The thickness of the
electrochromic layer 231 may be from about 0.1 nm to about 100
.mu.m, preferably, from about 100 nm to about 10 .mu.m. The
electrochromic layer 231 may include Prussian blue or
PEDOT:PSS.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, on the first electrode layer 260, the
electrochromic layer 231 may be provided. The electrochromic layer
231 may enclose the first electrode layer 260. The thickness of the
electrochromic layer 231 may be from about 0.1 nm to about 100
.mu.m, preferably, from about 100 nm to about 10 .mu.m.
[0095] On the electrochromic layer 231, the electrolyte layer 232
may be provided. The electrolyte layer 232 may enclose the
electrochromic layer 231.
[0096] On the electrolyte layer 232, the nanostructure 250 may be
provided. The nanostructure 250 may enclose the electrolyte layer
232.
[0097] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams for explaining the driving
of the electrochromic device according to FIG. 6.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, a first voltage V1 may be applied to
the first electrode layer 120 and the second electrode layer 160 of
the electrochromic device. The first voltage V1 may be a
decolorizing voltage. In an embodiment, the first voltage V1 may be
from about 0.1 V to about 5 V.
[0099] By the application of the first voltage V1, the first
electrode layer 120, the electrolyte layer 132, the nanostructure
150 and the second electrode layer 160 may not be discolored in a
visible light wavelength region.
[0100] By the application of the first voltage V1, the
electrochromic layer 131 may become transparent. By the application
of the first voltage V1, reduction reaction may be carried out in
the Prussian blue or PEDOT:PSS in the electrochromic layer 131.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 9B, to the first electrode layer 120 and
the second electrode layer 160 of the electrochromic device, a
second voltage V2 may be applied. The second voltage V2 may be a
coloring voltage. In an embodiment, the second voltage V2 may be
from about -0.1 V to about -5 V.
[0102] By the application of the second voltage V2, the first
electrode layer 120, the electrolyte layer 132, the nanostructure
150 and the second electrode layer 160 may not be discolored in a
visible light wavelength region.
[0103] By the application of the second voltage V2, the
electrochromic layer 131 may be discolored to blue. By the
application of the second voltage V2, oxidation reaction may be
carried out in the Prussian blue or PEDOT:PSS in the electrochromic
layer 131.
[0104] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are cross-sectional views of
electrochromic devices according to embodiments of the inventive
concept. Detailed explanation on the technical features which are
overlapped with those of the electrochromic devices explained
referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 6 will be omitted, and
different features therefrom will be explained in detail.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 10A, a third substrate 180 may be provided
on a second substrate 170. Between first and second substrates 110
and 170, a first electrochromic structure ECS1 may be provided.
Between the second and third substrates 170 and 180, a second
electrochromic structure ECS2 may be provided. The first and second
electrochromic structures ECS1 and ECS2 may each include a first
electrode layer 120, an electrochromic layer 131, an electrolyte
layer 132, a nanostructure 150, a second electrode layer 160 and a
sealing part 140.
[0106] Since the electrochromic device according to this embodiment
includes two electrochromic structures ECS1 and ECS2, transmittance
decreasing amount due to coloring may be relatively large.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 10B, a third substrate 180 may be provided
on a second substrate 170, and a fourth substrate 190 may be
provided on the third substrate 180. Between first and second
substrates 110 and 170, a first electrochromic structure ECS1 may
be provided. Between the third and fourth substrates 180 and 190, a
second electrochromic structure ECS2 may be provided. The first and
second electrochromic structures ECS1 and ECS2 may each include a
first electrode layer 120, an electrochromic layer 131, an
electrolyte layer 132, a nanostructure 150, a second electrode
layer 160 and a sealing part 140.
[0108] FIG. 11A is a graph showing the transmittance of an
electrochromic device according to FIG. 6.
[0109] FIG. 11A shows the transmittance for a case where the first
electrode layer 120 includes indium tin oxide (ITO) having
resistance per unit area of about 15 ohm/cm.sup.2, the second
electrode layer 160 includes indium tin oxide (ITO) having
resistance per unit area of about 7 ohm/cm.sup.2, the electrolyte
layer 132 includes about 0.2 M of lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4)
and propylene carbonate (PC), and the electrochromic layer 131 has
a thickness of about 400 nm and includes Prussian blue.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 11A, the transmittance in accordance with
an applied voltage to an electrochromic device may be confirmed.
The transmittance may be confirmed for a case where a voltage of
about 1.75 V is applied to an electrochromic voltage for about 20
seconds (L1), and a case where a voltage of about -1.75 V is
applied for about 20 seconds (L2).
[0111] About -1.75 V may be a coloring voltage. About 1.75 V may be
a decolorizing voltage. It may be confirmed that if the coloring
voltage is applied, the transmittance of the electrochromic device
decreases.
[0112] FIG. 11B is a graph showing the transmittance of an
electrochromic device according to FIG. 10A.
[0113] FIG. 11B shows the transmittance for a case where the first
electrode layers 120 include indium tin oxide (ITO) having
resistance per unit area of about 15 ohm/cm.sup.2, the second
electrode layers 160 include indium tin oxide (ITO) having
resistance per unit area of about 7 ohm/cm.sup.2, the electrolyte
layers 132 include about 0.2 M of lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4)
and propylene carbonate (PC), and the electrochromic layers 131
each has a thickness of about 400 nm and includes Prussian
blue.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 11B, the transmittance in accordance with
an applied voltage to an electrochromic device may be confirmed.
The transmittance may be confirmed for a case where a voltage of
about 1.75 V is applied to an electrochromic voltage for about 20
seconds (L1), and a case where a voltage of about -1.75 V is
applied for about 20 seconds (L2).
[0115] About --1.75 V may be a coloring voltage. About 1.75 V may
be a discoloring voltage. It may be confirmed that if the coloring
voltage is applied, the transmittance of the electrochromic device
decreases.
[0116] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are cross-sectional views of
electrochromic devices according to embodiments of the inventive
concept. Detailed explanation on the technical features which are
overlapped with those of the electrochromic devices explained
referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B will be omitted, and different
features therefrom will be explained in detail.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 12A, a third substrate 180 may be provided
on a second substrate 170. Between first and second substrates 110
and 170, a first electrochromic structure ECS1 may be provided.
Between the second and third substrates 170 and 180, a second
electrochromic structure ECS2 may be provided. The first and second
electrochromic structures ECS1 and ECS2 may include a first
electrode layer 120, an electrochromic electrolyte layer 130, a
nanostructure 150, a second electrode layer 160 and a sealing part
140, respectively.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 12B, a third substrate 180 may be provided
on a second substrate 170, and a fourth substrate 190 may be
provided on the third substrate 180. Between first and second
substrates 110 and 170, a first electrochromic structure ECS1 may
be provided. Between the third and fourth substrates 180 and 190, a
second electrochromic structure ECS2 may be provided. The first and
second electrochromic structures ECS1 and ECS2 may each includes a
first electrode layer 120, an electrochromic electrolyte layer 130,
a nanostructure 150, a second electrode layer 160 and a sealing
part 140.
[0119] The electrochromic device according to the inventive concept
includes a nanostructure, and may have excellent electrochromic
properties.
[0120] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention
have been described, it is understood that the present invention
should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various
changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in
the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as
hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *